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- calendar_today October 29, 2026
Madison Events for the Weekend of Oct. 29–Nov. 1, 2026
This weekend, Madison offers an extensive lineup of activities, from thought-provoking theater and thrilling sports to engaging concerts and lively festivals. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the city’s top picks to ensure your Madison weekend is packed with excitement and culture.
Spotlight on the Stage: Theater and Ballet Performances
- Madison Ballet opens its 45th season with the world premiere of Jekyll & Hyde at Madison Youth Arts, Oct. 29–Nov. 1. Artistic director Ja' Malik brings Robert Louis Stevenson’s novella to life in a fresh, psychological adaptation. Multiple performances are scheduled, with tickets available at Overture.org.
- Gaslight at Overture Center–Playhouse, Oct. 29–Nov. 22, features a new adaptation of the classic play by Forward Theater Company. The production reimagines Bella, the lead character, with a modern sensibility. Performances run Wednesday–Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons, with additional matinees on select dates.
- The Moors by Jen Silverman, presented by StageQ at Bartell Theatre, runs Oct. 30–Nov. 14. This “slightly absurd, comically dark, sort-of period piece” is ideal for the Halloween season.
- Annie, performed by Children’s Theater of Madison at Overture–Capitol Theater in collaboration with UW-Madison’s Department of Theatre and Drama, continues through Nov. 1, offering several final performances for families to enjoy the iconic musical.
- The Green Room by Encore Studio is running through Oct. 31 at Martin Street Theatre, giving audiences a peek behind the scenes of theater life.
- An evening of theater shorts titled Women+ on the Edge of Democracy is set for Sunday, Nov. 1, 7 p.m., at Overture Center–Playhouse. Forward Theater presents a slate of readings that examine American democracy, and admission is free.
Madison Concerts: Live Music Highlights
- Phillip Phillips, winner of American Idol’s Season 11, takes the stage at Majestic on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 8 p.m., performing songs from his latest EP, Let’s Go Far: Vol. 1. Katie Lynne Sharbaugh opens the show.
- Rodrigo y Gabriela, the Grammy-winning acoustic duo, perform at The Sylvee on Sunday, Nov. 1, 8 p.m. Their new album, OurHome, features global collaborators and marks a return to their rhythmic roots.
- Freakin' Halloweekend celebrates its 20th anniversary by expanding to two nights: Oct. 30 at Bur Oak and Oct. 31 at Atwood Music Hall. Local musicians pay tribute to legends such as Elvis, Madonna, Cheap Trick, and The Hives.
- ConstelNation, an international quintet, brings the spirit of improvisational jazz to North Street Cabaret on Saturday, Oct. 31, at 8 p.m.
- Laughing Jackdaws, a program of short comic pieces by Ned O’Reilly, is presented by Pile of Cats at The Bur Oak on Sunday, Nov. 1, 8 p.m. The night opens with songs from Tom Kastle.
Unmissable Madison Sports and Special Events
- Forward Madison FC enters the USL League One playoffs with a home quarterfinal match against Spokane Velocity FC at Breese Stevens Field on Friday, Oct. 30, 6:30 p.m. The Flamingos boast a strong season, including a 14-game home winning streak.
- Halloween Knight Fight on Saturday, Oct. 31, at Garver Feed Mill, 6:30 p.m., brings armored combat competition from the Wisconsin Medieval Combat Center. The event includes a VIP balcony experience, appetizers, a meet-and-greet with fighters, a costume contest, and a performance by Lunar Moth.
Opera, Art, and Community Showcases
- Norma, Bellini’s opera about a tragic love triangle, makes its Madison Opera debut at Overture Hall on Oct. 30 and Nov. 1, featuring soprano Keely Futterer in the title role.
- Fabric Arts and Upholstery Student Showcase takes place Sunday, Nov. 1, from 1–5 p.m. at Madison College–Commercial Avenue. Student work, including a range of fabric art projects, is on display and for sale—just in time for holiday shopping.
More Madison Weekend Picks
- Soul Patrol, a documentary about the first all-Black long-range reconnaissance patrol unit in Vietnam, debuts at UW Cinematheque on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m., with post-film discussion featuring director J.M. Harper and journalist Jesse Lewis.
For a full calendar of Madison arts, theater, and concerts, visit Isthmus for comprehensive listings. No matter your interests, this Madison weekend offers something for everyone—whether you’re seeking inspiring performances, live music, competitive sports, or unique community events.
Source: isthmus.com.
